man and a man with a sword makes Hamlet appear evil and Claudius appear pure. The setting speaks for itself. This paradoxical situation puts the viewer or reader in suspense, perhaps even confusion. However, it limits the predictability, and by this creates a more interesting scenario.Perhaps the best proof that of the role reversal comes when Claudius’ repentance even convinces Hamlet not to take Claudius’ life. Hamlet convinces himself that he would be “then reveng’d to take him in the purging of his soul”(85). This train of events leads us to much questioning about the nature of the play. Who really is the protagonist? Is Hamlet really a worthy hero if he is afraid to take initiative? Maybe Claudius is more admirable, as he has the courage to realize his “rank offense.” At the end of act three, scene three, the play has started a new. All predictability has been deleted and the future of the Danish throne is anyone’s game....
